Today, I’d like to start off by saying how much you guys mean to me. You’ve inspired me, supported me and made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. I am so grateful for this online community and that one day when I finally got enough courage to start my own blog!

I’ve grown so much over the past 6 months! Take for example last week. It may sound like nothing to some seasoned runners out there, but I am proud nevertheless: Don’t forget that this time last year I could barely last 15 minutes on a treadmill. *Yup… I HATED everything about running!*

Last Wednesday I ran my first 13 km outside *I don’t count the Super Spartan Race last month*. I took it slowly in order not to overdo it, and it took me 1:31:51 to finish*deduct maybe 2-3 minutes for red lights* .

But… DRUMM ROLL… I didn’t stop there and went for my first ever 15 km run on Sunday! It felt amazing, nothing I thought it would feel like. I was tired, but I felt ALIVE! My time was 1:44:58. I feel like I could have done better, but considering that I had under 6 hours of sleep and ran on pretty much an empty stomach, I am super proud of my accomplishment!!! And I thank YOU for playing a big role in this fascinating adventure!

It’s crazy how you can LEARN to love something you disliked so much before! If you had told me this a year ago, I’d probably laugh in your face. *True story!* I still remember my first 5 km I ran on a treadmill last July, I felt light-headed… Who would have known?!

Last week also taught me that I have to keep learning about running; for instance, how to stay hydrated and how to fuel my longer runs among many other things. As you may remember, my Spartan Sprint (5+ km) is 2 weeks away, and the Spartan Beast (20+ km) is in 6 weeks already!!! *Time flies!*

First of all, on Sunday, I tried running with a Camelbak I got my hubby for his birthday last year *Oops!*. The strap in the middle really kept it from bouncing, which made me very happy. The only annoyance was the noise the water kept on making, but, as I can imagine, it’s a part of a deal regardless of a solution. Actually, it was sort of funny. Every single time I approached someone from behind, they would turn to see what the heck it was. *I promise, I didn’t breathe heavily!!!* That being said, I’ll rather take that than drink water from a river during my two upcoming races. *I think I forgot to mention about this tiny little detail that occurred during my Super Spartan race… YAH!.. But then, at that moment, I could care less, all I wanted was to drink. Haha!*

Also, last time I tried fueling with Gu Roctane (Srawberry-Kiwi & Pineapple), and it went well. I didn’t have any cramps or whatsoever. So the biggest task right now is to experiment with the timing, and maybe see if there is anything out there that works better for me. *Any suggestions are very welcome!*

Finally, I decided to try out a new kind of a protein bar *meaning, I’ve never tried it before*, I came across at Costco yesterday. I looked at the nutritional info and was quite impressed. The price also seemed to be reasonable as well. Normally, I have a peanut butter toast with a banana prior to my run, but I am curious to see see how it goes.

29 responses to “Accomplishments, Support & Lessons Learnt Last Week”

They have pineapple Gu?! I need to try that! You are doing such a great job, you’re always such a badass with your spartan workouts that I totally forget you weren’t always a runner! I’ve definitely learned about myself lately that even though I’m intensely logical in my normal life, I make emotional decisions when it comes to exercise and I need to work on that. I will be excited to run and do it despite lingering pain or run up mountains I’m not prepared for just because it’s an experience and I need to be more careful and make smarter decisions so that I can stay healthy and run forever 🙂

Yes! I got at Sports Experts. I am pretty sure you have to have a similar fitness store in the States. It was pretty tasty 🙂 It’s a definitely useful lesson. That being same, I can’t blame you. The picturesque Alps are sure to blame 🙂

Awesome job on running 15k for the first time!!! I remember my first time running at those sort of distances, it’s mind blowing to realize how capable our bodies are. Make sure to get in some good recovery though, you’re going to need it!

Awesome job – and don’t worry what anyone else can do, we can all only ever be the best version of ourselves. And you are rocking it! You are so right that hydration and fuel are SO important, especially as we hit summer … be very careful! 🙂

As for me – I am doing Megan (thelyonsshare.org) 3-day Abs Challenge … and I have discovered my abs are pretty strong, and that planks are really hard, and that I can do them anyway! haha

So happy for you! What an accomplishment! I love finding out new things about myself and pushing farther than I thought I could go. I recently learned that I take things more personally than most people do and need to toughen up a little! Always improving 🙂

Oh no! Definitely, toughen up. There are many people out there who are not worth extra stress. Keep smiling, darling! I am the same way though, most of the times I care too much. We’ll work on this together 🙂 ❤ xoxo

You’re great Olena! I’ve also learned that I can push and mold my body. 6 months ago, I started on a journey to better my life. Not only am I feeling physically better, but mentally as well. I love reading your blogs. You manage to say something that actually hits home quite often! Keep up the great work, and congratulations on your new life changing events!
Cheers!!!
Tina

I remember this feeling SO WELL! You sound so much like me when I started my own running journey. You have come so far already and I’m excited to see where it will take you next! I’m awfully glad you started your blog as well. 🙂

That is great! You know it’s amazing the things we find out about ourselves when we try something new.
I really enjoyed reading your post today, very inspiring and a really good lesson for us all to take to heart!! Thanks for sharing, and I am really glad you decided to start blogging too, I love coming to your blog!

I am right with you. I never would have imagined what I would accomplish 6 months after I started training for my first half. You learn so much about yourself, and you discover that the only thing holding you back is, well, you!